My H16 is a second-handed one with sailing life for about 8yrs already. I have trouble in replacing the front crossbar as the corner castings are glued to the hulls by the previous owner. Do I need to detach all crossbars & sidebars in order to replace the front crossbar? But, the frame seems to be firmed fixed to the hulls. How can I do the replacement? Please kindly share your experience or give me some advice.

Is it workable as just to remove the rivets fixing the crossbars to the corner casting, and then put them together by new rivets?

Also, I would like to know what makes the front crossbar cracked underneath the mast base. Would it be possible due to improper action to pull up the mast?

If there's any glue or epoxy, using a propane plumbers torch and gently (GENTLY!) heat up the connection can break the glues seal, most of the time. Wear gloves and do it outside, hot glue smells bad. Also try using a dead blow mallet or rubber hammer to get them to separate once the rivets are drilled out. Good luck!

_________________Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...

Maybe an electric heat gun might work, you can get those at a paint store or an inexpensive torch/tank combo from home depot. Probably around $25, helpful for loosening seized bolts too, just heat em up a bit and it usually frees them.

_________________Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...

I successfully replaced the front crossbar but not yet fix with rivet. There are some questions:- 1) how to get hull alignment measurement. 2) front crossbar seems not so bending as before. Any effect or what can I do ?3) anything I need to do about dolphin striker which I know the term but don't know its actual functionPlease kindly tell if any places I need to pay attention before putting on the rivetsMany thanks.